2019 Chevrolet Malibu Fluid Type Specs

Quick Reference

Fluid	Type/Spec	Capacity (Approx.)
Engine Oil	SAE 0W-20, API SN Plus or later, GM dexos1 Gen 2	4.2 quarts (1.5L/2.0L Turbo), 5.0 quarts (1.8 HYB)
Engine Coolant	GM Dex-Cool, OAT (Orange/Red)	7-8 quarts (varies by engine and trim)
Transmission Fluid	GM Dexron VI ATF	Varies by transmission type; consult owner's manual
Brake Fluid	DOT 3 or DOT 4	Consult owner's manual for exact capacity
Power Steering Fluid	Electric Power Steering (No user-serviceable fluid)	N/A
Windshield Washer Fluid	All-season washer fluid	Varies, typically 1 gallon

Engine Oil

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu requires SAE 0W-20 engine oil. It is crucial to use oil that meets GM dexos1 Gen 2 specification or a later, backward-compatible generation (like dexos1 Gen 3). This specification ensures the oil provides optimal protection against low-speed pre-ignition (LSPI), a common issue in modern turbocharged direct-injection engines. Always look for the official dexos1 licensed mark on the oil bottle.

• Capacity:
  • 1.5L Turbo and 2.0L Turbo engines: Approximately 4.2 quarts (4.0 liters).
  • 1.8L Hybrid engine: Approximately 5.0 quarts (4.7 liters).
• Interval: Chevrolet recommends oil changes every 7,500 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, under normal driving conditions. However, the exact interval is determined by the vehicle's Oil Life Monitoring (OLM) system. Always follow the OLM's recommendation, which can reduce the interval significantly under severe driving conditions (frequent short trips, extreme temperatures, towing, heavy stop-and-go traffic).
• Pitfalls: Using conventional oil or oil that does not meet the dexos1 specification can lead to premature engine wear, LSPI, reduced fuel economy, and potential warranty voidance. Do not mix different oil types or viscosities. Always verify the correct capacity and specification in your owner's manual, as variations can occur based on specific engine codes or regional differences.

Engine Coolant

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu uses GM Dex-Cool extended-life engine coolant, which is an Organic Acid Technology (OAT) coolant. It is typically orange or red in color. Dex-Cool is designed for long-life performance, providing corrosion protection for up to 5 years or 150,000 miles, whichever comes first.

• Specification: GM Dex-Cool (OAT).
• Capacity: Varies by engine and trim, but generally between 7 and 8 quarts (6.6-7.6 liters) for a complete system fill. Consult your owner's manual for the precise capacity.
• Interval: The first coolant change is typically recommended at 150,000 miles or 5 years. Subsequent changes might be at similar intervals or based on inspection.
• Pitfalls: Mixing Dex-Cool (OAT) with conventional (IAT - Inorganic Acid Technology) or Hybrid OAT (HOAT) coolants can lead to chemical reactions, gelling, sludge formation, and severe damage to the cooling system components (radiator, water pump, heater core), ultimately causing overheating and engine damage. Always use genuine GM Dex-Cool or a licensed equivalent that explicitly states compatibility with Dex-Cool systems. Never use "universal" coolants unless they specifically claim full compatibility with Dex-Cool and OAT systems and are free of silicates and phosphates.

Transmission Fluid

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu models are equipped with various automatic transmissions, all of which use GM Dexron VI automatic transmission fluid (ATF).

• Specification: GM Dexron VI ATF.
• Capacity: Varies greatly depending on the specific transmission model (e.g., 6-speed, 9-speed automatic). A drain and fill typically replaces only a portion of the total fluid. A complete flush requires more. Always consult your owner's manual or OEM service information for the exact capacity for your specific transmission.
• Interval: For most transmissions, the fluid is considered "filled for life" under normal driving conditions. However, under severe driving conditions (frequent towing, heavy city driving, mountainous terrain, or commercial use), Chevrolet recommends inspection and possibly fluid replacement around 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Always check your owner's manual for the specific maintenance schedule for your vehicle's transmission.
• Pitfalls: Using the wrong type of ATF (e.g., Dexron III, Mercon LV, or a "universal" ATF) will lead to improper shifting, increased wear, and eventual transmission failure. Dexron VI is a lower viscosity fluid designed for improved fuel economy and specific friction characteristics for modern GM transmissions. Always ensure the product explicitly states "Dexron VI" compatibility and carries the official GM license.

Differential Fluid (If Applicable - Front-Wheel Drive)

As the 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is primarily a front-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicle, it does not have separate front and rear differentials in the traditional sense like a RWD or 4WD vehicle. The front differential is integrated into the transaxle and shares fluid with the automatic transmission (GM Dexron VI ATF). Therefore, there is no separate differential fluid to service.

If by any chance a rare AWD version exists (though not common for this generation Malibu), it would have a separate rear differential and possibly a power transfer unit (PTU) or transfer case. In such an unlikely scenario, consult the owner's manual for specific gear oil requirements, which would typically be a synthetic GL-5 gear oil (e.g., 75W-90).

Brake Fluid

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu uses either DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.

• Specification: DOT 3 or DOT 4. DOT 4 has a higher wet and dry boiling point than DOT 3 and is often specified for vehicles with ABS and electronic stability control systems, though DOT 3 is still commonly acceptable. Using DOT 4 is generally a safe upgrade if the system previously used DOT 3, but never mix DOT 3/4 with DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid.
• Capacity: The brake fluid reservoir capacity is relatively small, but a complete flush requires 1-2 liters to properly cycle through the entire system, including the ABS module.
• Interval: Chevrolet typically recommends inspecting brake fluid levels and condition at every service interval. A full flush and replacement is often recommended every 2 years or 30,000 miles, especially in humid climates, as brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture), which lowers its boiling point and can lead to corrosion.
• Pitfalls: Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) fluid, as it is incompatible with systems designed for DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5.1 (glycol-based) fluids and can cause seal damage. Ensure the fluid reservoir cap is tightly sealed after checking or filling to prevent moisture absorption. Avoid spilling brake fluid on painted surfaces, as it can damage the paint.

Power Steering Fluid

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is equipped with an electric power steering (EPS) system. This system does not use hydraulic fluid. Therefore, there is no power steering fluid to check or replace.

Windshield Washer Fluid

Use any good quality, year-round windshield washer fluid.

• Specification: No specific OEM specification beyond being suitable for automotive use. Many commercial products contain antifreeze agents for cold weather and bug removers for warmer months.
• Capacity: The reservoir typically holds around 1 gallon (3.8 liters).
• Interval: Fill as needed.
• Pitfalls: Do not use plain water, especially in freezing temperatures, as it can freeze and damage the washer fluid reservoir, pump, and lines. Using household cleaners can also damage vehicle finishes or rubber components.

Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF)

The 2019 Chevrolet Malibu is a gasoline-powered vehicle and does not use Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF). DEF is exclusively used in diesel engines equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems to reduce nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions.

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